Resolutions, remodeling, Daughter Day and more. The Mankato Family YMCA Newsletter

HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
LOTS OF OPTIONS TO LAUNCH YOUR RESOLUTIONS

Whether you've made your resolution to be fit a public or private matter, it's nonetheless an important one and we're here to help.

Keep in mind that so much of what we have at the Y is on a drop-in basis and free to members. The Life Center fitness area offers treadmills, bike machines, EFX, rowing machines and weightlifting stations to tone and strengthen all muscle groups. The free weight room is for more concentrated and advanced weightlifting.

At the same time, group exercise provides great incentive and support from fellow health-seekers. The Y has ongoing, drop-in sessions of fantastic aerobic and cardio classes. Download a schedule here.

If you want something more involved and structured, early January offers great classes discounted for members, including:

Strength circuit training - One-on-one and small group training to better your cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength.
Kettlebell training - Who knew that swinging some weights would effectively improve strength, flexibility and balance. A fun class with great results.
Boot camp and advanced boot camp - A great way to start a committed fitness program. Basic exercises in an enjoyable group setting.

These are just a few of the classes available to make good on any resolution. Keep in mind the Y has personal trainers on hand and good prices on personal-training packages.

Browse our entire catalog to find what's right for you. And happy, healthy new year!

A MONTH TO HONOR (AND SEEK) MENTORS

We thought we'd take advantage of January's designation as Mentor Appreciation Month to remind members that the Y has two opportunities for adults to serve as mentors to kids: The Brother/Sister program and the new School-Based Mentoring program.

Brother/Sister matches kids with adults who can provide fun, guidance and good role-modeling through activities that can range from Twins games to a trip to a local park. They key is to be available for a few yours to meet with your match and be a source of stable, healthy conversation and recreation.

After a successful pilot program in the fall, School-Based Mentoring is now officially operating in public elementary schools in the Mankato area.

This form of mentoring asks for one hour a month to spend with a kid at school, usually during lunch. It allows a little check-in time with how things are going for a young kid.

Both are chances to share experiences with kids, who can never have enough good influences in their lives. Interested? Contact coordinator Cheryl Hamond or call 345-9815.

The new video Immeasurable
Remodeling, renovating and renewing our promise

This new year, you'll be seeing a lot of emphasis on "new."

This is the year we're embarking on a major renovation, remodeling and renewal of the Y's promise. When the dust clears, you'll find:

A remodeled lobby that's more conducive to socializing and where you can purchase light breakfast and lunches (sandwiches, salads, etc.).
Remodeled locker rooms with new equipment and a lower level that's more spacious to navigate. New heating, air conditioning and plumbing that will enhance your comfort at the Y and keep costs down.
The Y expand its programming into the east side of Mankato through collaborations with schools, churches and others in the area while arranging for east side transportation to the downtown facility.

And we're expecting to be able to offer more parking space in our lot so you have an easier time accessing the building during busy times.

The price tag on it all is $3 million, which we hope to raise through our 2012 Growing Up fundraising campaign.

Look for donation opportunities soon at the Y and please consider contributing to the Y's growth. And do check out our video, Immeasurable, which underscores the aspects of the Y that can't be measured by traditional means. Click on the image above to watch.

DAUGHTER DAY JAN. 16

Bring that special girl to a day devoted to her on Daughter Day Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Y.

Daughter Day is an afternoon just for girls and whoever they'd like to bring as their older mentor -- mom, dad, aunt, sister, grandfather, etc. It's a day that allows that adult to celebrate the bond with their special girl. Taking place from 1 to 4 p.m., the day is packed with activities including yoga, dance, make-and-take crafts and a healthy snack.

Cost is $14 per family, and participation is limited to members only. Register by calling 387-8255. For more information on the event, call Joy Leafblad at 345-9813.

HEALTHY VENDING ON ITS WAY

When was the last time you heard "organic" and "vending machine" in the same sentence? Both are in store soon as the Y is partnering with Sprout Healthy Vending to provide snack and drink products that are natural and/or organic.

Brands of drinks and snacks include Pirate's Booty, Pop Chips, Silk soy milk Clif Bar and Back to nature crackers.

The vending machine is coming in January to the food court next to the Pepsi Cube.

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